MASVINGO – A former Great Zimbabwe University law student, Bradly Kurai Marawu, who dropped out of school, is wanted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) over social media posts deemed a threat to public safety.
The State alleges that Marawu collaborated with prominent activists, including Pastor Evan Mawarire, ZINASU President Takudzwa Ngadziore, and Nancy Njenge, to incite violence via online platforms.
The charges stem from a protest staged at the Masvingo High Court in July 2019. The demonstration was held in solidarity with opposition politician Job Sikhala. Marawu currently faces charges of transmitting data messages intended to incite violence, a violation of the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
During the proceedings, lawyers representing Marawu and other ZINASU members challenged the integrity of the prosecution's case. The lawyers argued that video evidence submitted to the court had been tampered with by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
The State noted that Marawu was previously expelled from his studies following the July 2019 protests, which authorities claim turned violent.
Prosecutors indicated they are yet to submit additional evidence to the court to bolster their claims.
The case has sparked outcry from human rights defenders, who characterize the prosecution as a crackdown on freedom of expression. Critics point to the repeated arrests of figures like Pastor Evan Mawarire as evidence of a systemic effort to suppress dissenting voices through "judicial harassment."
The matter remains pending as the court awaits the State’s supplementary evidence.
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